Wanderers are closing in on Newcastle's Robbie Elliott.
They will learn this weekend whether they have been successful in their ambitious bid to land the Tyneside star for a record-breaking £2.5 million.
Magpies boss Kenny Dalglish is understood to be ready to sanction the deal after lining up a replacement, thought to be Georgian international Levan Kobiashvili.
The Geordies have confirmed receiving a bid from Wanderers but talks appeared to have stalled because Dalglish is on holiday in Spain.
Colin Todd is waiting patiently for a decision from St James' Park and, contrary to some reports, has not given Dalglish a "24-hour take it or leave it" ultimatum.
Wanderers are believed to have made their first approach for the left-sided Elliott a month ago, when they were given no encouragement by Dalglish. But they refused to take 'no' for an answer and followed up their earlier interest with a firm bid.
The Gosforth-born player almost joined Premiership club Blackburn Rovers last season but the deal fell through and on his return to Tyneside was given an improved contract by former boss Kevin Keegan.
However, he is far from one of the top wage earners at St James's Park and could be tempted if Todd makes him an enticing offer to move to Lancashire.
Under Dalglish's reign Elliott fired seven goals and looked set for a long career in the United first team until the Bolton approach.
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